Mulberry Leaf Research Articles

Oral Administration of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaf Powder Prevents the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Stelic Animal Model (STAM) Mice.

We examined the inhibitory effect of mulberry leaf (ML) (Morus alba L.) administration on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in stelic animal model (STAM) mice. This STAM mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) closely resembles the progression from NASH to HCC in human clinical practice. Streptozotocin (STZ, 200 μg) was administered to C57L/6J mice that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; STAM mice) with 1% ML ad libitum. After sacrificing, the liver and blood were collected. Biochemical tests of plasma and histologic examination of the liver were performed. Pathologic examination of all (6/6) liver samples of the STAM mice showed HCC. On the contrary, in STAM mice that received ML, fat deposition and adenoma were observed in 6/6 and 2/6 of the liver samples, respectively, but there was no HCC. Administration of ML in STAM mice inhibited the progression from nonalcoholic hepatitis (NASH) to HCC. ML may be effective in preventing the development of HCC.

Improvement of Glycemic Control by a Functional Food Mixture Containing Maltodextrin, White Kidney Bean Extract, Mulberry Leaf Extract, and Niacin-Bound Chromium Complex in Obese Diabetic db/db Mice.

Steady-fiber granule (SFG) is a mixture containing maltodextrin, white kidney bean extract, mulberry leaf extract, and niacin-bound chromium complex. These active ingredients have been shown to be associated with improving either hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of SFG in the regulation of blood glucose homeostasis under obese diabetic conditions. Accordingly, db/db mice (8 weeks old) were administered with SFG at doses of 1.025, 2.05, or 5.125 g/kg BW daily via oral gavage for 4 weeks. No body weight loss was observed after SFG supplementation at all three doses during the experimental period. Supplementation of SFG at 2.05 g/kg BW decreased fasting blood glucose, blood fructosamine, and HbA1c levels in db/db mice. Insulin sensitivity was also improved, as indicated by HOMA-IR assessment and oral glucose tolerance test, although the fasting insulin levels were no different in db/db mice with or without SFG supplementation. Meanwhile, the plasma levels of triglyceride were reduced by SFG at all three doses. These findings suggest that SFG improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in db/db mice and can be available as an option for functional foods to aid in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in daily life.

Mulberry Leaf and Neochlorogenic Acid Alleviates Glucolipotoxicity-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inhibits Proliferation/Migration via Downregulating Ras and FAK Signaling Pathway in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell.

Mulberry leaf (Morus alba L.) has been used as a health food and in traditional medicine to treat several metabolic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. However, the mechanism by which mulberry leaf and its functional components mediate atherosclerosis remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) and its major component, neochlorogenic acid (nCGA), on the proliferation and migration of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs, A7r5 cell line) under diabetic cultured conditions (oleic acid and high glucose, OH). Our findings showed that MLE and nCGA significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration in A7r5 cells as determined by a scratch wound assay and a Transwell assay. Furthermore, we observed MLE and nCGA inhibited cell proliferation and migration, such as reducing the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and small GTPase proteins using Western blot analysis. In conclusion, we confirmed the anti-atherosclerotic effects of MLE and nCGA in reducing vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation under diabetic cultured conditions via inhibition of FAK/small GTPase proteins, PI3K/Akt, and Ras-related signaling.

Mulberry leaf meal: A potential feed supplement for juvenile Megalobrama amblycephala “Huahai No. 1”

This study was performed to evaluate the potential application of mulberry leaf meal (ML) and fermented mulberry leaf meal (FML) as feed supplements in aquatic animals for developing varieties of practical and economical feed ingredients. Juveniles Megalobrama amblycephala were fed a basal diet (35.7% crude protein, 10.4% crude lipid; control group) supplemented with 2.22% and 4.44% mulberry leaf meals (ML2, ML4) and fermented mulberry leaf meals (FML2, FML4) for 8 weeks. Generally, the two-way ANOVA showed the supplementation level exhibited a prominent effect on the growth performance and physiological status of fish. Furthermore, the two-way ANOVA showed the supplementary fermented mulberry leaf meal increased plasma complement 4 (C4) content (P < 0.05). The weight gain rate (WGR, 145.87%) and the specific growth rate (SGR, 1.63%) were significantly increased in FML2 group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The muscle crude lipid content and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were higher in FML2 group than that in ML2 group (P < 0.05). The hepatic GSH content in ML4 group and CAT, T-SOD activities in FML4 group were significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The hepatic MDA content in FML4 group was significantly decreased compared with the FML2 group (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol (TC) contents showed a significant decrease in ML4 and FML4 groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding the gene expression, sirtiun 1 (Sirt1) gene expression was elevated in FML2 group compared with the ML2 group (P < 0.05). Compare to the control group, FML2 diet significantly increased the expression of i-kappa-B alpha (IKBα) gene in liver, and decreased the expression of forkhead box O1 α (FoxO1α), toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 2.22% FML promoted the growth performance of M. amblycephala and enhanced the anti-inflammatory responses by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. On the other hand, 4.44% FML reduced plasma lipid content (hypolipedemic effect) and improved the hepatic antioxidant capacity of M. amblycephala.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Mulberry Leaf Flavonoids In Vitro and In Vivo.

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a flowering tree traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine. Mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) have been reported to exert important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to select the MLF with the best anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities from MLFs eluted by different ethanol concentrations (30%, 50%, and 75%) and explore its pharmacological properties. Three types of MLFs inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. All MLFs boosted the antioxidative capacity by decreasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and improving the metal ion chelating activity and reducing power. The results revealed that the MLFs eluted by 30% ethanol exhibited the best anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. A nontargeted metabolomic analysis was used to analyze 24 types of differential flavonoids between the MLFs. Quercetin, kaempferol, and their derivatives in 30%MLF were more abundant than the other two MLFs. Furthermore, we evaluated the pharmacological activities of 30%MLF in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. The 30%MLF could alleviate the clinical symptoms, reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibit the activation of the inflammatory pathway in DSS-induced colitis mice. This study will provide valuable information for the development of MLFs eluted by 30% ethanol as a functional food.

Characterization of Purified Mulberry Leaf Glycoprotein and Its Immunoregulatory Effect on Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice.

Mulberry leaf protein is a potentially functional food component and health care agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its composition, immunoregulatory effects, and gut microbial regulatory effects are unclear. Herein, ultra-filtrated and gel-fractionated mulberry leaf protein (GUMP) was characterized. Its effects on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice were further investigated. The results indicated that GUMP is a glycoprotein mainly containing glucose, arabinose, and mannose with 9.23% total sugar content. Its secondary structure is mainly β-sheet. LC–MS/MS analysis showed that GUMP closely matched with a 16.7 kDa mannose-binding lectin and a 52.7 kDa Rubisco’s large subunit. GUMP intervention significantly improved serous TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-2 contents; increased serum immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) levels; and reversed splenic damage prominently. Moreover, GUMP administration increased fecal shot-chain fatty acid concentration and up-regulated the relative abundance of Odoribacter, which was positively correlated with SCFAs and cytokine contents. Overall, GUMP alleviated immunosuppression through the integrated modulation of the gut microbiota and immune response. Therefore, GUMP could be a promising dietary supplement to help maintain gut health.

Mulberry Leaf Flavonoids Inhibit Liver Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Rats by Regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

The incidence of liver-related complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rapidly increasing, which affects the physical and mental health of T2DM patients. Mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLF) were confirmed to have certain effects on lowering blood glucose and anti-inflammation. In this study, the high-fat diet (HFD) + STZ method was used to establish T2DM rat model and the MLF was administered by gavage for eight weeks. During the experiment, body weight and blood glucose level were measured at different time points. The pathological changes of rat liver were observed by H&E staining. The serum glucolipid metabolic indicators of serum, fasting insulin (FINS), and inflammatory factors levels were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκΒα), p-IκΒα, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/p65 protein in liver tissue were measured by Western Blot. After 8 weeks' MLF treatment, the blood glucose of rats showed a downward trend; glycolipid metabolism level and insulin resistance were improved, which suggested that MLF could improve the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism. The pathological damage and inflammation of the liver in T2DM rats were significantly improved, the levels of related serum inflammatory factors were reduced, and the expression of liver tissue-related proteins was downregulated. Our results indicated that MLF could reduce blood glucose and inhibit the development of liver inflammation. The mechanisms may be associated with the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway to reduce the levels of inflammatory factors in serum.

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on the postharvest quality of mulberry leaf vegetable

Fresh mulberry leaf vegetable is nutritive and becoming popular. However, available preservation technologies are deficient. In present work, the effects of two kinds of modified atmosphere packaging on postharvest quality of fresh mulberry leaf vegetable stored at 4 °C were evaluated. The respiration rate of samples in the modified polyethylene packages (MP20) was 12.88–22.65% lower than that in normal polyethylene packaging (CK). The content of total soluble solids, soluble protein, and total polyphenol in MP20 was less changed than that in CK, and the vitamin C retention was higher as well. Moreover, the lignin content in MP20 was lower than that in CK during storage (19.79% vs 13.38% at day 8), and that was significantly positively related to the polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities inhibition. Taken together, a packaging with moderate gas permeability (MP20) is suitable for nutrition maintenance and lignification inhibition of fresh mulberry leaf vegetable during cold storage.

Effect of Different Nutritional Supplements on Glucose Response of Complete Meals in Two Crossover Studies.

Postprandial hyperglycemia is an important risk factor in the development and progression of type-2 diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. Therefore, maintaining a low postprandial glucose response is key in preventing these diseases. Carbohydrate-rich meals are the main drivers of excessive glycemic excursions during the day. The consumption of whey protein premeals or mulberry leaf extract was reported to reduce postprandial glycemia through different mechanisms of action. The efficacy of these interventions was shown to be affected by the timing of the consumption or product characteristics. Two randomised crossover studies were performed, aiming to identify the optimal conditions to improve the efficacy of these nutritional supplements in reducing a glycemic response. The acute postprandial glycemic response was monitored with a continuous glucose monitoring device. The first study revealed that a preparation featuring 10 g of whey protein microgel reduced the postprandial glucose response by up to 30% (p = 0.001) and was more efficient than the whey protein isolates, independently of whether the preparation was ingested 30 or 10 min before a complete 320 kcal breakfast. The second study revealed that a preparation featuring 250 mg mulberry leaf extract was more efficient if it was taken together with a complete 510 kcal meal (−34%, p < 0.001) rather than ingested 5 min before (−26%, p = 0.002). These findings demonstrate that the efficacy of whey proteins premeal and mulberry leaf extracts can be optimised to provide potential nutritional solutions to lower the risk of type-2 diabetes or its complications.

Assistance of mulberry (Morus Alba, Sp.) cultivation in the Griya Caraka Resident

Mulberry is a traditional Indonesian medicine that is widely used due to the antioxidants found in mulberry leaves. Alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids, which act as antioxidants, are found in mulberry leaves. This community service project aims to raise awareness about the health and economic benefits of mulberry. The method used is counseling and mentoring in January – June 2020. As a result of this program, a mulberry garden has been established in the Griya Caraka residential park, which has numerous advantages. Starting with the mulberry fruit, which can be eaten raw or cooked, and the mulberry leaf, which can be used to make mulberry leaf chips, mulberry leaf tea, and silkworm feed. Furthermore, the public can learn about the health benefits and nutritional value of mulberry plants, as well as process mulberry leaf chips under the Morrus Berry trademark

Antibacterial effect of ethanolic Morus alba Linn. leaf extract against mastitis-causing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro

This study was conducted to determine the in vitro antibacterial effect of an ethanolic Morus alba L. (mulberry) leaf extract against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitis dairy cows and against E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 25923 reference strains. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated by a microdilution method to determine the MIC, MBC, and a time-kill assay by using azithromycin as a positive control. The data were analyzed nonparametric tests with a significance level of p&lt;0.05. The quercetin content of the mulberry leaf extract was 83.187 ± 0.272 µg/g dried plant material, as determined by HPLC. The extract had MICs of 10, 20, 10, and 10 mg/mL and MBCs of 20, 20, 20, and 10 mg/mL for E. coli ATCC 25922, E. coli ECCM62, S. aureus ATCC 25923, and S. aureus SACM62, respectively. Quercetin had relevant MIC of 10 mg/ml and MBC of 20 mg/mL to the extract for both ATCC strains. Time-kill tests showed a complete elimination of S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. aureus SACM62 after a 30-min exposure to 10 and 20 mg/mL M. alba extract. E. coli ATCC 25922 and E. coli ECCM62 showed reductions of 6.8 log CFU/mL after a 360 min exposure to 40 mg/mL M. alba extract. In this study, the inhibitory effect was stronger against S. aureus than against E. coli (p&lt;0.05). Overall, the M. alba L. extract showed appreciable in vitro antibacterial efficacy against mastitis-causing E. coli and S. aureus strains and against reference ATCC strains

The transported active mulberry leaf phenolics inhibited adipogenesis through PPAR-γ and Leptin signaling pathway.

The effective components of mulberry leaf polyphenols (MLPs) should be absorbed and transported by the intestinal cells before regulating lipid metabolism. The Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell and 3T3-L1 adipocytes were coupled to screen the effective components of MLPs that are being absorbed and transported by intestinal cells. The regulation and molecular mechanism by which the effective components affect adipogenesis were analyzed in this study. Among the 12 main components identified, five main compounds were well absorbed with Papp in the order of benzoic acid > chlorogenic acid > astragaloside > hyperoside > rutin. Chlorogenic acid and benzoic acid were mainly absorbed through passive diffusion, while rutin, astragaloside, and hyperoside were mainly by active transport, of which chlorogenic and rutin absorption were mediated by the efflux protein, P-glycoprotein (P-pg). Based on the transport volume of 2 mg/ml MLPs within 2 h, 25% of the maximum transported MLPs (TMLPs) was a safe concentration for 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes. Except for astragaloside, the other four components showed a significant inhibitory effect on lipid droplets, TG and TC, and chlorogenic acid and benzoic acid had the strongest effect. Additionally, we observed a synergistic effect as TMLPs were the most effective. We hypothesized that TMLPs, chlorogenic acid and benzoic acid suppressed adipogenesis and regulated lipid metabolism by inhibiting PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and FAS mRNA while promoting ADIPO and Leptin mRNA expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The absorption and adipogenesis inhibition effect of mulberry leaf phenolics were evaluated in this study. The results provided guideline for the development of functional foods in regulating lipid metabolism.

Optimized Ensiling Conditions and Microbial Community in Mulberry Leaves Silage With Inoculants.

Mulberry leaves (ML) are a promising alternative fodder source due to their high protein content and the abundance of active components. A test of three inoculants in various combinations revealed that high-quality ML silage was produced at an inoculum ratio of 1:1:0 (50% Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 50% Lactobacillus plantarum, and 0% Bacillus subtilis). Using dry matter (DM) loss, pH, ammonia-N and amino acid contents, total antioxidant activity, and total flavonoids content to evaluate silage quality, this inoculant mixture was shown to produce high-quality silage within a range of inoculum size (5–15%), moisture contents (50–67%), ensiling temperatures (27–30°C), and ensiling duration (14–30 days). A third trial comparing silages produced after 30 days at 28°C and 50% moisture content revealed that silage E, prepared using an L. plantarum inoculant alone, displayed the lowest DM loss and pH, and low bacterial diversity, and it was dominated by Lactobacillus (88.6%), with low abundance of Enterobacter (6.17%). In contrast, silage B5, prepared with equal ratios of L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae, was dominated by Enterococcus (67.16%) and Lactobacillus (26.94%), with less marked yeast persistence, and reducing the DM content from 50 to 40% altered these relative abundances to 5.47 and 60.61, respectively. Control silages produced without an inoculant had the highest pH and ammonia-N content (indicative of poor quality), had the lowest antioxidant activity, had higher bacterial diversity, and were dominated by Carnobacterium (74.28%) and Enterococcus (17.3%). In summary, ensiling of ML conditions with proper inoculants yielded high-quality silage with a favorable microbial community composition.

41-LB: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study to Evaluate the Effect of a Natural Powder Blend (Mulberry Leaf Extract [MLE], Vitamin D, Chromium, and Fiber) on Postprandial (PP) Metabolic Response in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

MLE contains iminosugar alkaloids (of which 1-deoxynojirimycin [DNJ] is most abundant) , and phenolic and flavonoid functional ingredients, which can modulate PP metabolism. We tested a 2 g powder blend of 250 mg MLE (containing 12.5 mg DNJ) combined with fibre (1.75 g) , vit D (0.75 μg) , and chromium (75 μg) , versus placebo (PBO) , in a double-blind RCT. In this two-center (US, Singapore) , single-intervention study, in people with T2D (drug-naïve or on metformin) with Asian race, the powder was sprinkled over a 350 kcal breakfast meal (white bread, cheese, apple juice [55.4 g carbs]) , consumed after a 10h fast. PP blood glucose and insulin were assessed over 3h. Thirty individuals (mean age 59 years, HbA1c 7.1%, BMI 26.5 kg/m2) were enrolled. Compared to PBO, the MLE-blend significantly reduced PP incremental area under the glucose curve (iAUC) , at 1h (-20%, p&amp;lt;0.0001) , 2h (-17%, p=0.0001) , and 3h (-15%, p=0.0032) (Figure) . A significant 1h-reduction in insulin iAUC (-24%, p=0.0236) was also observed, but not at 2h, or 3h (Figure) . Compared to PBO, a 2 g natural powder blend of MLE, fibre, Vit D and chromium significantly reduced the overall glycemic burden and early insulin response of a carbohydrate-rich breakfast in T2D, suggesting its use as a convenient dietary adjuvant to improve PP metabolic response. Disclosure M. Mohamed: None. M. Von eynatten: Employee; Nestlé Health Science. O. Johansen: Employee; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Nestlé Health Science. R. Zagury: Consultant; Nestlé Health Science, Speaker’s Bureau; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Novo Nordisk, Servier Laboratories. K. Bhaskaran: None. J. M. Neutel: None. B. Mohd yusof: Advisory Panel; Abbott, Merck &amp; Co., Inc., Research Support; Nestlé Health Science, Speaker’s Bureau; Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Nestlé Health Science, Novo Nordisk. L. Mooney: None. E. Perrin: Other Relationship; Nestlé. A. D. Smith: Employee; Nestlé Health Science. O. Aprikian: None. Funding Nestlé Health Science

Optimization of Mulberry Leaf Instant Solid Tea Formula by Fuzzy Mathematics Sensory Evaluation Method

Optimization of Mulberry Leaf Instant Solid Tea Formula by Fuzzy Mathematics Sensory Evaluation Method

Effects of Multi-Ingredient Nutritional Drink Including Mulberry Leaf Extract (MLE) on Postprandial Glycemic and Appetite Responses in Healthy Chinese Adults

ObjectivesOur study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding MLE to a nutritional drink containing protein, fat, carbohydrate (maltodextrin) on maltodextrin digestion in-vitro and postprandial glucose and appetite responses in healthy Chinese adults. MethodsTwo randomized cross-over trials were conducted in healthy Chinese adults (20–40 y; 19–24 kg/m2) measuring glucose, hunger and satiety responses. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate hunger and satiety. In trial 1, participants (n = 12) received either 25 g anhydrous glucose powder mixed in water or the tested nutritional drink (25 g carbohydrate and MLE). Blood glucose was tested 5 min before and at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after sample intake. In trial 2, participants (n = 10) received either the MLE nutritional drink (∼200 kcal) or a reference food with similar energy and macronutrient composition but no MLE. VAS results were collected at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after sample intake. An in-vitro digestion study was conducted using 3 different ratios of MLE and maltodextrin to explore the effects of MLE on maltodextrin digestion. ResultsBaseline glucose levels were similar between the two groups. Postprandial glucose was significantly lower in the test group at 15 min (5.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L vs 7.4 ± 0.4 mmol/L), 30 min (5.9 ± 0.7 mmol/L vs 8.3 ± 0.7 mmol/L) and 45 min (5.7 ± 0.6 mmol/L vs 7.0 ± 0.9 mmol/L) compared to reference group. Glucose iAUC0-120 min was also significantly lower (64.6 ± 11.1 mmol/L x min vs 135.0 ± 14.5 mmol/L x min) in the test group. In trial 2, VAS desire to eat iAUC0-120 min, was significantly lower (–494.9 ± 80.97 cm x min vs –307.4 ± 52.05 cm x min) in MLE test group, but other satiety parameters were similar between the two groups. Maltodextrin hydrolysis rate (in-vitro digestion study) iAUC0-180 min was significantly inhibited by MLE (P < 0.05) at ratio of 20:1 and 10:1 (Maltodextrin: MLE). ConclusionsConsumption of tested nutritional drink with optimized MLE dose produced a significant lower postprandial glucose response and meets the ISO requirements to be claimed low GI. Moreover, the satiety (as measured by desire to eat using VAS) is higher than the reference food with similar energy and macronutrient composition without MLE. Therefore, adding MLE into nutritional drink lowers GI, reduces postprandial glucose response and may promote satiety. Funding SourcesMary Kay, Inc.

The impact of Morus alba L. leaf extract on intestinal ion transport. An in vitro study.

Morus alba L. (White mulberry), is an important and popular herbal plant of the Moraceae family. It has been widely used due to its therapeutic properties, which include antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and hypolpidemic activity. The present study evaluates the effects of aqueous white mulberry leaf extract on the transepithelial ion pathway in the rabbit colon epithelium (n=48), using electrophysiological methods. In addition, the antioxidant potential and the chemical composition of the extract were determined. A mechanical-chemical stimulation with white mulberry in RH fluid (MB-RH) caused a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in the transepithelial electrical potential difference, from -0.130 to -0.685mV. Gentle washing of the intestine with white mulberry in bumetanide, used as inhibitor of transepithelial chloride pathways, resulted in 14.8% shorter reaction than during MB-RH stimulation. There were no statistically significant differences between the electric potential values measured during stimulation with amiloride solution, used as inhibitor of transepithelial sodium pathways, and white mulberry in amilorid solution (p=0.485). A short-term application of extract to the colon epithelium is responsible for local and reversible inhibition of chloride ion channels. The extract enhances sodium ion absorption and consequently changes the electrical potential. The effect of white mulberry extract on sodium ion transport may be related to the mechanism of hypoglycaemic activity of mulberry leaves.

Interaction between Gelatin and Mulberry Leaf Polysaccharides in Miscible System: Physicochemical Characteristics and Rheological Behavior.

In this study, the miscible system was formed by mixing gelatin (G) with mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLPs) continuously extracted with a hot buffer (HBSS), a chelating agent (CHSS), a dilute alkali (DASS), and a concentrated alkali (CASS), and the zeta potential, turbidity, particle size, distribution, and rheological properties of the miscible systems were evaluated. Under acidic conditions, the miscible systems of four polysaccharides and gelatin were in a clear state; under alkaline conditions, G-HBSS and G-CHSS were clarified, and G-DASS and G-CASS changed from clarification to turbidity. The zeta potential changed from positive to negative with the increase in pH. When the pH was at 7, it increased with the increase in polysaccharide concentration but was still negative. The four miscible systems all showed polydispersity. The particle sizes of G-HBSS and G-CHSS decreased with the increase in pH, while the particle sizes of G-DASS and G-CASS were increased. The four miscible systems showed “shear thinning” behavior, and the addition of gelatin reduced the apparent viscosity of the four polysaccharide solutions. G-CHSS was highly stable, and G-CASS was more suitable as a stabilizer in the freezing process.

Characteristics of Mulberry Leaf Powder Enriched With γ-Aminobutyric Acid and Its Antioxidant Capacity as a Potential Functional Food Ingredient.

To improve the functional properties of mulberry leaves, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enrichment treatments were applied. The results showed that the combined treatment of sodium glutamate immersion, cold shock, and anoxic significantly increased the GABA content. HPLC analysis displayed that the quantity of some active phenolics was significantly increased after the treatment. The GABA-enriched mulberry leaf powders were subsequently prepared, and it was found that as the particle size decreased, their water and oil holding capacity and their swelling power decreased, while the angle of repose increased. The dissolution rate of GABA and total phenolics increased as the particle size decreased. Optical observations and SEM results revealed that the fiber structures of the particles were gradually destroyed as the particle size decreased. Further, FTIR analysis showed that the active compounds in the powders were not destroyed. M400 and M140 powder showed the maximum DPPH radical scavenging ability and AGEs inhibition capacity, respectively. Additionally, adding the powders effectively alleviated the staling of bread without any significant effect on taste.

The Protective Effect of Mulberry Leaf Flavonoids on High-Carbohydrate-Induced Liver Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response and Intestinal Microbiota Disturbance in Monopterus albus

An 8-week feeding trial with high-carbohydrate- and 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLF)-supplemented diets (HCF1, HCF2 and HCF3, respectively) was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of MLF on oxidized high-carbohydrate-induced glucose metabolism disorder, liver oxidative damage and intestinal microbiota disturbance in Monopterus albus. The results showed that HC diets had significant negative effects on growth, glucose metabolism, liver antioxidant and immunity, as well as intestinal microbiota, in comparison to CON diets. However, WGR and SR in the HCF3 group dramatically increased compared to the HC group. With the increase of MLF in the HC diet, the activities of glycolysis and antioxidant enzymes in the liver tended to increase, while the changes of gluconeogenesis-related enzyme activities showed the opposite trend and significantly changed in the HCF3 group. Additionally, MLF supplementation dramatically increased the mRNA expression involved in glycolysis, antioxidative enzymes and anti-inflammatory cytokines in comparison with the HC group. Furthermore, gluconeogenesis and pro-inflammatory cytokine genes’ expression dramatically decreased. Furthermore, the proportion of Clostridium and Rhodobacter in the HC group dramatically declined, and the proportion of Lactococcus dramatically increased, compared to the HC group. In addition, 300 mg/kg MLF supplementation significantly improved the species composition and homeostasis of intestinal microbiota. These results indicate that MLF can alleviate the negative effects of low growth performance, glucose metabolism disorder, liver oxidative damage and intestinal microbiota disturbance caused by HC diets, and the relief of MLF is dose-related.